Macomb Bar Association to create lawyer-finder website

Macomb County Bar Association officials by the end of the year plan to establish a lawyer-finder web site for the public to locate an attorney in a particular area of the law.

Bar President John B. DeMoss said creating the clearinghouse is one of the primary goals of his one-year term that began Tuesday. It would make it easier for the public to find Macomb County attorneys to possibly hire for a legal matter.

“I’ve been working for years on getting a lawyer finder,” he said. “This will give consumers various options.”

DeMoss, who replaced outgoing president Julie Gatti, said he expects the site to initially include about 15 subject areas for people to peruse, with the categories to increase over time. Participating lawyers, who would pay a fee to be listed, would provide a biography and description of their practice areas.

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Officials hope to have a site up and running in three to six months, he said.

The site would be separate but linked from the association’s website, he said.

Another of DeMoss’ goals is to increase the 1,410 members’ leisure time and social interaction, ultimately to improve interaction among those in the legal field.

“My opinion is lawyers work too hard and don’t play enough,” he said. “It used to be that attorneys used to spend more time socializing with each other so that when you get into the courtroom, it’s not so antagonistic. I’m hoping to increase social activities so attorneys can bond together and things can go smoother in the courtroom.”

DeMoss, who is a full-time mediator, has backed his words with actions. He played host at his offices off Gratiot Avenue near Hall Road in Clinton Township to the “Family Fun Fest,” featuring an afternoon of activities, food and interaction. His office grounds contain a tennis court and pool. The second annual event is scheduled for Aug. 22.

He also would like to establish a stronger relationship between attorneys and judges, and improve a mentoring program that connects experienced lawyers with barristers fresh out of law school.

“Law school doesn’t teach you how to be a lawyer,” he said. “You can be making decisions that have long-lasting consequences.”

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My beat is the courts of Macomb County and general assignment.
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